Analog Astronauts

Analog astronauts are specifically trained spacesuit tester. After an extensive selection process they run through a several month long basic training. Analog astronauts are used for technical tests and Mars simulations.

OeWF analog astronauts are specifically trained for the OeWF Mars spacesuit simulator “Aouda” and are assigned “in analogy to” future human (Mars) expeditions for preparatory research and development projects.

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Dr. Gernot Groemer

Analog Astronaut since 2003

Mars-Simulations: MDRS Crew 11 + 47 (AustroMars), MARS2013 Morocco, AMADEE-18 Oman. 12 missions in total.EVA hours: > 111 hCareer: Born 1975, Gernot Groemer holds a masters degree in astronomy and a PhD in exploration astrobiology (Leopold-Franzens University, Innsbruck), International Space University summer school (Houston/Texas), lecturer at the International Space University and the University of Innsbruck. Member of the Space Generation Advisory Council (Board of Mentors). Flight Crew 37th ESA Parabolic Flight Campaign. Programme Management Group AustroMars and PolAres. Teaches and does research at the Univ. Innsbruck in the field of human Mars exploration and Astrobiology. 30 min of Zero-G. Dr. Groemer led 12 Mars expedition simulations, including the Northern Sahara, Utah and southern Spain and leads the development of the experimental spacesuit simulator Aouda.X.

Dr. Stefan Dobrovolny

Analog Astronaut since 2015

Mars-Simulations: AMADEE-15, AMADEE-18EVA hours: > 15 hCareer: Born 1990, originally from Mürzsteg, Styria he studied medicine at the Medical University in Vienna. In his free time he is volunteering as paramedic at the Red Cross Austria as well as at the Austrian Mountain Rescue Team, where he is not only in charge of the medical training and of medical equipment but also is trained Squad Leader. He speaks german, english, as well as some swedish and spanish.

Dr. Carmen Köhler

Analog Astronaut since 2015

Mars-Simulations: AMADEE-15, AMADEE-18EVA hours: > 16 hCareer: Born in Berlin, Germany, in 1980. After studying mathematics and meteorology at the Free University of Berlin, she completed her PhD in physics of the atmosphere magna cum laude. Currently, she is founder and CEO of P3R GmbH, a company which works in the sectors of AI programming, photovoltaics and public relations. Within the “Stiftung erste Deutsche Astronautin GmbH” and “Astronautin GmbH” she works as Education & Outreach Scientist und as Astronaut Support. She is also a board member of the non-profit organisation Full Stack Embedded e.V.. This organisation enables students in West Africa with their effort to become self-sustaining in their technical development. She is fluent in German, English and Italian and speaks French and Spanish.

Kartik Kumar, MSc

Analog Astronaut since 2015

Mars-Simulations: AMADEE-15, AMADEE-18EVA hours: > 24 hCareer: Born in Bangalore, India, 1984 and is a Dutch citizen, having grown up in the Netherlands. Master in Aerospace Engineering at the TU Delft with honours (cum laude). He was awarded “TU Delft Aerospace Engineering Best Graduate 2008” and “NvVL (Dutch National Aeronautical Society) Best Graduate 2008”. Currently, he is Co-founder & CEO at satsearch.co, a Dutch startup building the world’s first global marketplace for space. He is fluent in English, Dutch and Tamil, and can converse in Italian, Spanish, French and German.

João Lousada, MSc

Analog Astronaut since 2015

Mars-Simulations: AMADEE-15, AMADEE-18EVA hours: > 21 hCareer: Born in Portugal in 1989. Studied Aerospace Engineering in Lisbon, doing his master thesis at the University of Victoria, Canada, on satellite attitude determination and control. He has worked in assembly integration and testing of satellites and presently works as STRATOS flight controller and ISS Columbus Operation Systems Engineer at the German Space Operations Center in Munich, Germany. He is currently the SGAC regional coordinator for Europe, having managed several technical projects and helping organize multiple space events for the young generation. Lousada is a certified parachutist and rescue diver. He is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese and speaks German and French.

Iñigo Muñoz Elorza, MSc

Analog Astronaut since 2015

Mars-Simulations: AMADEE-15, AMADEE-18EVA hours: 30 hCareer: Born in Spain in 1979. He studied Economics at the DHBW Karlsruhe, Germany and Aerospace Engineering at the UPM, Madrid, Spain. Recently he also completed a MSc in Astronomy and Astrophysics from the VIU, Valencia, Spain. Initially he served as Operation Engineer at E-USOC, Madrid, where he was responsible for the preparation and real time operation of several experiments onboard the Columbus module (ISS). Presently he works as astronaut instructor at the European Astronaut Center (ESA EAC) in Cologne. Muñoz Elorza is a certified parachutist and advanced open water diver. He is fluent in Spanish, German, English and speaks Italian.